Carolina's Star has emerged as a dominant force

1. Star Lotulelei (Panthers, DT) - Level of impact is what separates Lotulelei from his contemporaries. Lotulelei only registered one tackle against the 49ers, but his impact in the game and on the Panthers’ season is very impressive. The Panthers traveled to San Francisco and dominated the line of scrimmage against one of the NFL’s top offensive lines. The Panthers have won five straight games and are now considered one of the NFC’s best teams.

Lotulelei is one of the primary factors why the Panthers’ defense is now ranked second in the NFL. Carolina is surrendering nearly 50 yards fewer per game this season than last. The big defensive tackle is also setting the table for potential NFL Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly.

Lotulelei has developed into one of the NFL’s best at his position.Previous: No. 2

King: "Star Lotulelei has surprised me on how well he's adjusted and adapted to the NFL. He's one of the keys(to their success)."

2. Sheldon Richardson (Jets, DE) - Level of impact continues to play a factor into this week’s rankings. While the Jets may have been on a bye this week, Richardson has consistently been one of the best defensive players in the league. Richardson’s impact can be seen in the team’s improved run defense. The Jets are surrendering nearly 60 yards fewer on the ground than last season.

The difference is Lotulelei has developed into the focal point of the Panthers’ defensive front, while Richardson has plenty of help along the Jets’ defensive line. But, teams are quickly learning Richardson must be accounted for each and every play.Previous: No. 3

Indicator of earned respect as a rookie: Sheldon Richardson gets a LOT of double-teams. On a line that good, it means a lot.

3. Kiko Alonso (Bills, LB) - Alonso is riding the opposite trajectory from Lotulelei and Richardson. Alonso continues to stuff the stat sheet — he had 10 total tackles against the Steelers — but his play hasn’t affected the win-loss column. The Bills are now 3-7, and they have lost three straight games. Furthermore, the Bill’s defense as a whole hasn’t drastically improved with Alonso in the middle. Alonso continues to play at a high level, it simply isn’t having the same impact as Lotulelei and Richardson.Previous: No. 1

4. Tyrann Mathieu (Cardinals, S) – Mathieu celebrated his first game as an official starter in the NFL with seven tackles, a pass deflection and a victory against the Texans. Mathieu has started more games this season, but Cardinals’ head coach Bruce Arians finally made it official during the team’s bye week. He’s been all over the field this season and is rarely caught out of position. The Cardinals did surrender three passing touchdowns against the Texans, but Case Keenum was held to a low of 201 yards passing.Previous: Same

Tyrann Mathieu has started seven of nine games, has recorded 56 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, a forced fumble & six passes defensed.

5. Larry Warford (Lions, OG) - Warford’s case for Rookie of the Year was on display during the Lions’ 21-19 victory against the Bears. With the game and a lead in NFC North on the line, the Lions weren’t afraid to run behind Warford and fellow rookie LaAdrian Waddle. They did so multiple times in crucial situations. Both rookies are playing at an extremely high level, and the Lions’ strong side has been a strength in recent weeks. Warford has simply been playing at this level all season.Previous: No. 7

Raiola: "Larry [Warford's] been ice cold since he got here … he knows what to do."

6. Eddie Lacy (Packers, RB) - Lacy is now the Packers’ entire offense with Aaron Rodgers out of the lineup. It showed against the Eagles. Lacy had his lowest rushing total since he he returned from a concussion Oct. 6. The Eagles held Lacy to 74 yards on 26 carries. The Packers’ offense is going to continue to struggle with Scott Tolzien (or Matt Flynn) at QB, and Lacy will have play at an even higher level if his team expects to win in the coming weeks.Previous: Same

7. D.J. Fluker (Chargers, OT) - Fluker wasn’t drafted to be a left tackle. But, he’s been pressed into action on the blind side twice this season. He did so against Jacksonville and did the the same against the Broncos. Fluker’s versatility only adds to his value as one of the league’s best rookie offensive linemen. Fluker’s consistency is a large reason for the Chargers’ offensive turnaround under new coach Mike McCoy.

It’s possible Fluker will play an entire game at left tackle this weekend against the Dolphins with King Dunlap’s status for the game still being questioned.Previous: No. 9

8. Eric Reid (49ers, S) - Reid’s performance against the Panthers was cut short by a concussion — his second of the season. Reid didn’t make much of an impact before leaving the game. He only registered one tackle. Reid’s ability and play speak for themselves. His inability to to stay on the field could continue to drop him in the rankings and out of the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation. Reid was limited in practice Wednesday and could play Sunday against the Saints.Previous: No. 5

The two players with at least three INTs and two fumble recoveries in '13: #49ers S Eric Reid and #Titans CB Alterraun Verner.

9. Kenny Vaccaro (Saints, S) - Vaccaro also suffered a concussion this past weekend. The Saints’ safety had a bigger impact during his previous game than Reid did. Vaccaro finished with three tackles and a deflected pass as the Saints enacted revenge on the Cowboys for their coordinator Rob Ryan. Unlike Reid, Vaccaro has already been ruled out Sunday’s game.Previous: No. 8

#Saints will be without S Kenny Vaccaro (concussion) this week vs. #Niners and possibly next week. DROY candidate took a knee to the helmet

10. Kenny Stills (Saints, WR) - Stills is the lone new addition to this week’s rookie rankings. Stills made earlier appearances, but consistency was the biggest concern through the first five weeks of the season. Stills had seven receptions and no touchdowns during that stretch. Stills has been targeted more and developed into a legitimate deep threat for Saints QB Drew Brees the past four games. Stills has 12 receptions for 304 yards and four touchdowns since Oct. 13.Previous: Unranked

Drew Brees has a 148.3 QB Rating when targeting Kenny Stills, the best mark for any WR in the NFL this season. #Saints